
RBI’s Dr. Michael Patra: A Legacy of Insightful Monetary Policy and Quirky Farewell
Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra, who served as the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Deputy Governor, has retired after nearly four decades with the central bank. Known for his strategic role in steering the RBI’s monetary policy, Patra became the face of the RBI during critical press conferences, answering the key questions on interest rates, inflation, and growth. Patra, who headed the monetary policy department for most of his tenure, was a key player in the decisions made by
RBI’s Dr. Michael Patra: A Legacy of Insightful Monetary Policy and Quirky Farewell
Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra, who served as the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Deputy Governor, has retired after nearly four decades with the central bank. Known for his strategic role in steering the RBI’s monetary policy, Patra became the face of the RBI during critical press conferences, answering the key questions on interest rates, inflation, and growth. Patra, who headed the monetary policy department for most of his tenure, was a key player in the decisions made by

SEC Sues Elon Musk for Delayed Disclosure of Twitter Stake Purchase
Elon Musk is being sued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for allegedly violating securities laws related to his purchase of Twitter shares in 2022. The SEC claims Musk waited 11 days beyond the required 10-day window to disclose that he had acquired more than 5% of Twitter’s common shares. According to SEC regulations, investors must inform the public of their significant stake
SEC Sues Elon Musk for Delayed Disclosure of Twitter Stake Purchase
Elon Musk is being sued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for allegedly violating securities laws related to his purchase of Twitter shares in 2022. The SEC claims Musk waited 11 days beyond the required 10-day window to disclose that he had acquired more than 5% of Twitter’s common shares. According to SEC regulations, investors must inform the public of their significant stake

Gold Prices Rise by Rs 250 to Rs 80,550 per 10 Grams Amid Weakening Rupee
Gold prices saw an increase of Rs 250, reaching Rs 80,550 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday. This rise in prices was driven by continuous demand from retailers and stockists, as well as the weakening of the Indian rupee, which hit a record low. The previous day, gold had been priced at Rs 80,300 per 10 grams, according to the All-India Sarafa Association. Silver prices, however, remained unchanged at Rs 93,000 per kg. Gold of 99.5% purity continued its upward trajectory
Gold Prices Rise by Rs 250 to Rs 80,550 per 10 Grams Amid Weakening Rupee
Gold prices saw an increase of Rs 250, reaching Rs 80,550 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday. This rise in prices was driven by continuous demand from retailers and stockists, as well as the weakening of the Indian rupee, which hit a record low. The previous day, gold had been priced at Rs 80,300 per 10 grams, according to the All-India Sarafa Association. Silver prices, however, remained unchanged at Rs 93,000 per kg. Gold of 99.5% purity continued its upward trajectory

RBI Allows UPI Payments Through Third-Party Apps for Digital Wallets
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made a significant change to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system by enabling UPI payments between verified digital wallets, also known as Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs), and third-party UPI applications. This new directive will allow users of digital wallets to make and receive UPI payments via any third-party UPI app, rather than being limited to the wallet’s own mobile application. The move is aimed at enhancing interoperability within t
RBI Allows UPI Payments Through Third-Party Apps for Digital Wallets
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made a significant change to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system by enabling UPI payments between verified digital wallets, also known as Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs), and third-party UPI applications. This new directive will allow users of digital wallets to make and receive UPI payments via any third-party UPI app, rather than being limited to the wallet’s own mobile application. The move is aimed at enhancing interoperability within t

Wedding Industry Sees Surge in Spending as Weddings Bounce Back in 2024
In 2024, the wedding industry in India has seen a resurgence in spending after the lull caused by the pandemic, with metropolitan cities driving a significant increase in demand for wedding services. Wedding budgets have grown by 6.7%, with the average expenditure reaching Rs 35.6 lakh. As wedding costs rise, so has the demand for gold and jewelry, especially due to the soaring prices of gold, which have increased from Rs 63,500 to Rs 80,000 per 10 grams. Destination weddings, which
Wedding Industry Sees Surge in Spending as Weddings Bounce Back in 2024
In 2024, the wedding industry in India has seen a resurgence in spending after the lull caused by the pandemic, with metropolitan cities driving a significant increase in demand for wedding services. Wedding budgets have grown by 6.7%, with the average expenditure reaching Rs 35.6 lakh. As wedding costs rise, so has the demand for gold and jewelry, especially due to the soaring prices of gold, which have increased from Rs 63,500 to Rs 80,000 per 10 grams. Destination weddings, which

Air India Crew Arrested for Gold Smuggling, Kenyan Woman for Cocaine
At Chennai Airport, an Air India cabin crew member was arrested for helping a passenger smuggle 1.7 kg of gold. The incident occurred when the flight from Dubai landed on Sunday. Customs officials intercepted the passenger and the crew member after the passenger admitted to handing over the gold during the flight. Upon searching the crew member, officials found the gold concealed in the undergarments, l
Air India Crew Arrested for Gold Smuggling, Kenyan Woman for Cocaine
At Chennai Airport, an Air India cabin crew member was arrested for helping a passenger smuggle 1.7 kg of gold. The incident occurred when the flight from Dubai landed on Sunday. Customs officials intercepted the passenger and the crew member after the passenger admitted to handing over the gold during the flight. Upon searching the crew member, officials found the gold concealed in the undergarments, l

Gold Price Today: Rs 77,170 Amid Global Volatility
As of 6:50 a.m. today, gold prices stood at Rs 77,170 per 10 grams, according to the India Bullion Association. This represents a slight dip from the highs seen on Monday when prices had briefly climbed after falling from Rs 79,100 on Friday. The price of gold had reached its highest level for the month on December 11 before experiencing a drop of over Rs 1,000 on Monday. Compared to November's peak of Rs 78,060 on Nov. 23, the current price of gold reflects the ongoing volatility in the
Gold Price Today: Rs 77,170 Amid Global Volatility
As of 6:50 a.m. today, gold prices stood at Rs 77,170 per 10 grams, according to the India Bullion Association. This represents a slight dip from the highs seen on Monday when prices had briefly climbed after falling from Rs 79,100 on Friday. The price of gold had reached its highest level for the month on December 11 before experiencing a drop of over Rs 1,000 on Monday. Compared to November's peak of Rs 78,060 on Nov. 23, the current price of gold reflects the ongoing volatility in the

Indian Rupee Weakens Amid RBI Leadership Change and Central Bank Decisions
The Indian rupee opened at 84.83 against the US dollar on Monday, a depreciation of 4 paise compared to the previous close of 84.79. The decline in the rupee is largely attributed to the uncertainty following the announcement of a leadership transition at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Shaktikanta Das will be succeeded by Sanjay Malhotra, sparking initial concerns in the market. However, markets quickly adjusted to the news, with experts noting that the RBI is closely monitoring banking sys
Indian Rupee Weakens Amid RBI Leadership Change and Central Bank Decisions
The Indian rupee opened at 84.83 against the US dollar on Monday, a depreciation of 4 paise compared to the previous close of 84.79. The decline in the rupee is largely attributed to the uncertainty following the announcement of a leadership transition at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Shaktikanta Das will be succeeded by Sanjay Malhotra, sparking initial concerns in the market. However, markets quickly adjusted to the news, with experts noting that the RBI is closely monitoring banking sys

RBI Receives Bomb Threat via Email in Russian
On Thursday, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received a bomb threat via email, which was written in Russian. The threat, sent to the RBI's official website, claimed that the bank would be blown up. Following the threat, a case was registered at the Mata Rambai Marg (MRA Marg) police station in Mumbai, and an investigation has been launched. This incident comes after a similar threat was made to the RBI through its customer care number on November 16, with the caller claiming to
RBI Receives Bomb Threat via Email in Russian
On Thursday, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received a bomb threat via email, which was written in Russian. The threat, sent to the RBI's official website, claimed that the bank would be blown up. Following the threat, a case was registered at the Mata Rambai Marg (MRA Marg) police station in Mumbai, and an investigation has been launched. This incident comes after a similar threat was made to the RBI through its customer care number on November 16, with the caller claiming to

Gold Hits Record Highs in 2024, Outperforms Global Assets
Gold has experienced a remarkable rise in 2024, reaching 40 new record highs year-to-date and appreciating by over 28%. According to the World Gold Council (WGC), this surge has made gold the best-performing asset class globally, surpassing US stocks, emerging market stocks, US bonds, and even US currency. In the third quarter of 2024, gold demand exceeded $100 billion for the first time, showcasing its robust market position. Looking ahead to 2025, the direction of the US Federal R
Gold Hits Record Highs in 2024, Outperforms Global Assets
Gold has experienced a remarkable rise in 2024, reaching 40 new record highs year-to-date and appreciating by over 28%. According to the World Gold Council (WGC), this surge has made gold the best-performing asset class globally, surpassing US stocks, emerging market stocks, US bonds, and even US currency. In the third quarter of 2024, gold demand exceeded $100 billion for the first time, showcasing its robust market position. Looking ahead to 2025, the direction of the US Federal R

India's Inflation Drops to 5.48% in November Amid Rising Food Prices
India's inflation rate, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), moderated to 5.48% in November, down from 6.21% in October, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. This easing, however, is still above the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) target of 4%, with food prices continuing to drive inflationary pressure. The food inflation rate surged by 9.04%, continuing its trend of high costs. Economists had forecast a median inflation estimate of 5.5% fo
India's Inflation Drops to 5.48% in November Amid Rising Food Prices
India's inflation rate, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), moderated to 5.48% in November, down from 6.21% in October, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. This easing, however, is still above the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) target of 4%, with food prices continuing to drive inflationary pressure. The food inflation rate surged by 9.04%, continuing its trend of high costs. Economists had forecast a median inflation estimate of 5.5% fo

Sanjay Malhotra Appointed New Governor of RBI
Sanjay Malhotra, a 1990-batch IAS officer from Rajasthan, has been appointed as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), succeeding Shaktikanta Das. The government announced that Malhotra will take charge from Wednesday for a term of three years. With a background in computer science from IIT Kanpur and a Master's in Public Policy from Princeton University, Malhotra has had a distinguished career spanning over three decades in various sectors, including finance, taxation, pow
Sanjay Malhotra Appointed New Governor of RBI
Sanjay Malhotra, a 1990-batch IAS officer from Rajasthan, has been appointed as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), succeeding Shaktikanta Das. The government announced that Malhotra will take charge from Wednesday for a term of three years. With a background in computer science from IIT Kanpur and a Master's in Public Policy from Princeton University, Malhotra has had a distinguished career spanning over three decades in various sectors, including finance, taxation, pow

Rare Roman Coin of Brutus to Auction for Over $850,000
The Coin’s Significance and Auction Details: A remarkable piece of history, the Roman gold aureus bearing the image of Marcus Junius Brutus, one of the assassins of Julius Caesar, is set to be auctioned in Geneva on Monday. This rare coin is expected to fetch over a million Swiss francs, with the starting bid set at 750,000 francs (approximately $852,000). Considered a numismatic treasure, the coi
Rare Roman Coin of Brutus to Auction for Over $850,000
The Coin’s Significance and Auction Details: A remarkable piece of history, the Roman gold aureus bearing the image of Marcus Junius Brutus, one of the assassins of Julius Caesar, is set to be auctioned in Geneva on Monday. This rare coin is expected to fetch over a million Swiss francs, with the starting bid set at 750,000 francs (approximately $852,000). Considered a numismatic treasure, the coi

India's Foreign Exchange Reserves Rise to $658.1 Billion
India's foreign exchange reserves saw an increase to $658.1 billion for the week ending November 29, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This rise followed an eight-week decline, with a $1.5 billion increase from the previous week. In comparison, the reserves had dropped by $1.31 billion in the prior week, reaching $656.58 billion. Foreign investors have invested Rs 1.75 lakh crore into India's debt and equity markets in 2024. However, the month of November witness
India's Foreign Exchange Reserves Rise to $658.1 Billion
India's foreign exchange reserves saw an increase to $658.1 billion for the week ending November 29, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This rise followed an eight-week decline, with a $1.5 billion increase from the previous week. In comparison, the reserves had dropped by $1.31 billion in the prior week, reaching $656.58 billion. Foreign investors have invested Rs 1.75 lakh crore into India's debt and equity markets in 2024. However, the month of November witness

Households' Inflation Perception Rises, Confidence Dips Slightly
In November, the median perception of current inflation among households increased to 8.4%, up by 30 basis points from the previous survey round in September, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Households’ Inflation Expectations Survey. Meanwhile, expectations for inflation over the next three months moderated slightly by 10 basis points, reaching 9.1%. However, households' expectations for inflation a year ahead inched up by 10 basis points to 10.1%. The survey
Households' Inflation Perception Rises, Confidence Dips Slightly
In November, the median perception of current inflation among households increased to 8.4%, up by 30 basis points from the previous survey round in September, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Households’ Inflation Expectations Survey. Meanwhile, expectations for inflation over the next three months moderated slightly by 10 basis points, reaching 9.1%. However, households' expectations for inflation a year ahead inched up by 10 basis points to 10.1%. The survey

Indian Rupee Strengthens as RBI Keeps Rates Unchanged
The Indian rupee ended the trading session stronger after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to keep the benchmark interest rates unchanged, while unveiling measures aimed at improving liquidity in the banking system. The domestic currency gained 3 paise, closing at 84.70 against the US dollar, compared to 84.73 in the previous session. As part of the monetary policy changes, the RBI raised the interest rate ceiling on one-year Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) deposits by 200 basis p
Indian Rupee Strengthens as RBI Keeps Rates Unchanged
The Indian rupee ended the trading session stronger after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to keep the benchmark interest rates unchanged, while unveiling measures aimed at improving liquidity in the banking system. The domestic currency gained 3 paise, closing at 84.70 against the US dollar, compared to 84.73 in the previous session. As part of the monetary policy changes, the RBI raised the interest rate ceiling on one-year Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) deposits by 200 basis p

RBI Keeps Rates Unchanged, Lowers GDP Growth Forecast
On Friday, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced it would keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for the 11th consecutive time. This decision comes despite the GDP growth rate for the July-September quarter falling to a 7-quarter low of 5.4%, which was below the RBI's earlier projection of 7%. The RBI paused its rate hike cycle in April last year after raising rates by 250 basis points since May 2022. In the fifth bi-monthly monetary policy review for the current fiscal year,
RBI Keeps Rates Unchanged, Lowers GDP Growth Forecast
On Friday, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced it would keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for the 11th consecutive time. This decision comes despite the GDP growth rate for the July-September quarter falling to a 7-quarter low of 5.4%, which was below the RBI's earlier projection of 7%. The RBI paused its rate hike cycle in April last year after raising rates by 250 basis points since May 2022. In the fifth bi-monthly monetary policy review for the current fiscal year,

RBI Buys 27 Tonnes of Gold in October 2024, Boosting Reserves to 882 Tonnes
In October 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made a significant move by adding 27 tonnes of gold to its reserves, bringing its total gold purchases for the year to 78 tonnes. This marks the highest level of purchases since 2009, when India acquired 200 tonnes from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The RBI's total gold reserves now stand at 882 tonnes. In comparison, India had bought only 16 tonnes of gold in 2023. The RBI's gold purchase comes amid global economic i
RBI Buys 27 Tonnes of Gold in October 2024, Boosting Reserves to 882 Tonnes
In October 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made a significant move by adding 27 tonnes of gold to its reserves, bringing its total gold purchases for the year to 78 tonnes. This marks the highest level of purchases since 2009, when India acquired 200 tonnes from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The RBI's total gold reserves now stand at 882 tonnes. In comparison, India had bought only 16 tonnes of gold in 2023. The RBI's gold purchase comes amid global economic i

RBI to Hold Repo Rate, May Cut CRR Amid Slower Growth and High Inflation
The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is expected to maintain the status quo on the benchmark repo rate at 6.5% in its upcoming meeting from December 4 to 6. Despite India's GDP growth slowing to 5.4% in the July-September quarter, economists suggest that inflation concerns will likely take precedence, making a rate cut unlikely in December. Retail inflation rose to 6.2% in October, exceeding the RBI’s target range of 2-6%. Though a repo rate cu
RBI to Hold Repo Rate, May Cut CRR Amid Slower Growth and High Inflation
The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is expected to maintain the status quo on the benchmark repo rate at 6.5% in its upcoming meeting from December 4 to 6. Despite India's GDP growth slowing to 5.4% in the July-September quarter, economists suggest that inflation concerns will likely take precedence, making a rate cut unlikely in December. Retail inflation rose to 6.2% in October, exceeding the RBI’s target range of 2-6%. Though a repo rate cu

RBL Bank and Bajaj Finance End Co-branded Credit Card Partnership
RBL Bank and Bajaj Finance Ltd. have mutually decided to stop issuing new co-branded credit cards following discussions that have taken place over the past month. While the change will not affect RBL Bank’s overall credit card business, it marks the end of a significant partnership that previously accounted for a large portion of RBL Bank’s card issuances. As of September 2023, Bajaj Finserv co-branded cards represented 41% of RBL Bank’s total credit card issuances.
RBL Bank and Bajaj Finance End Co-branded Credit Card Partnership
RBL Bank and Bajaj Finance Ltd. have mutually decided to stop issuing new co-branded credit cards following discussions that have taken place over the past month. While the change will not affect RBL Bank’s overall credit card business, it marks the end of a significant partnership that previously accounted for a large portion of RBL Bank’s card issuances. As of September 2023, Bajaj Finserv co-branded cards represented 41% of RBL Bank’s total credit card issuances.